Samuel Inkoom, a self-proclaimed travel agent and footballer, has been charged with defrauding a University student of GH¢32,100 under the pretence of securing a Netherlands visa for him.
The accused, who introduced himself as the owner of S. Inkoom Travel and Tour Company, pleaded not guilty to the charge, when he appeared before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Isaac Addo.
He has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with one surety. The case has been adjourned to December 30, 2024, with Prosecutor Jonas Laweh leading the charge.
Case Background
According to the brief facts presented to the court, the Complainant, Benyamm Opare-Addo, a Level 200 student residing in Adentan, was introduced to the accused by a mutual friend at Tse-Addo.
The Complainant had expressed interest in traveling abroad to further his studies, and the accused claimed he could secure a Netherlands visa for a fee of US$3,500 (approximately GH¢32,100).
Between September and November 2023, the Complainant made payments to the accused in instalments, but did not receive the promised visa within the agreed timeline.
After months of unsuccessful attempts to retrieve either the visa or a refund, Opare-Addo reported the matter to the police.
The accused was arrested on January 11, 2024.
During investigations, he admitted to the offense and refunded GH¢7,000 on September 4, 2024 promising to pay the remaining GH¢25,100 within a month.
However, he failed to honour this commitment, leading to his arraignment.
The judge granted the accused bail on condition of securing one surety, and the court will reconvene on December 30, 2024 to continue hearing the case.
